the DynaWares Home Page the free Ferret Footstep Stopper program. This program will lock your keyboard and mouse while your critter is tromping around on them. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to unlock. Clydde, the Wonder Weasel the DynaWares Morale Officer Vital Statistics: Source: Colorado Springs Humane Society. Age: 1 1/2 Years. Weight: 2.1 Pounds. (He's fat. He's getting more exercise now, though.). Length: 17-18 inches NOT including his 6 inch tail. Color: Butterscotch. Eyes: Dark, Dark, Dark Maroon. (The camera's flash makes them look pink). Family Members: 2 - 50 pound Keeshonds Favorite Game: "Hide the Sneakers" Favorite Toy (other than my sneakers): a Tennis Ball Play Times: 5:AM-8AM, 7PM-10PM. As a general rule, If he's awake I block the dog-door, close the bathroom door, put up all dishes, put the dogfood on the counter, and let him run loose. When he tires out I incarcerate him. I am not an expert on ferrets!! I have only owned Clydde for a couple of weeks. I put up this page merely to help my friends and family understand ferrets a bit better. Please do not use this page as a reference. If you do get ideas for making a cage similar to mine try to make 6 inches higher and maybe a few inches deeper. This will allow more room for a hammock or loft. If you view these pages keep in mind that I did not consult a ferret guru or model these things after any existing products. Clydde's wrought iron Cage, I made it myself. Clydde's House. I made it too. Clydde's Hammock. I'm such a handy guy. Owning a pet is a commitment and a responsibility! Not just to their physical needs but to their emotional needs. Don't buy a dog and leave it tied up in the yard all day. Dogs not only need to run and play, but they need interaction with the owner(s). The needs of a ferret are much greater! More on this below. However, there are many rewards for the right owner. I think of the personality of a ferret as that of an hyper-active, extremely curious, very intelligent kitten. Ferrets are in the same family (Mustelidae) as otters, weasels, and mink. It is commonly believed that the domestic ferret is a direct descendant of the European polecat, their closest relative. There are two types of ferrets. The endangered Black Footed Ferret is frequently confused with the domestic ferret. The Black Footed Ferret is definitely a wild species whereas the domestic ferret is tame. Ferrets have been domesticated since before the birth of Christ. Because of this domestication ferrets have lost all of their wild instincts and are unable to survive in the wild for more than a few days. In the wild they are subject to the elements, dehydration, and starvation or being attacked by a predator. Their only defense is to spray if they have their scent glands, if not all they can do is puff up and look tough. Actually, they are totally defenseless and what makes them even more vulnerable to predators is the fact that they have a very trusting nature and will welcome any other species with friendship rather than with caution or fear. Because of their small size and quiet habits ferrets are very suitable pets for people with small homes or apartments. Ferrets are very playful, inquisitive, and loving. They demand interaction with a human and should be let out of their cage for a few hours every day. They can be litter boxed trained and will usually use a selected corner of your house. They also make excellent traveling companions. A pet carrier can easily be outfitted with a hammock, a litter box, a blanket, food and water dishes. The domestic ferret's life span is 6-9 years. Ferrets are not cage animals but they can be caged for short periods of time, such as while one is away at work. It's often a good idea for one to cage the ferret for their safety while one is not home. Ferrets need daily attention and exercise but, similar to cats, they will sleep about 18 hours a day. Many ferrets will choose to go back to their cages to sleep. Ferrets are not nocturnal and will adjust their schedule to yours. Exercise for a ferret can be just letting them out to play a few hours a day. They love to run through tubes and explore everything! Ferrets will "weasel war-dance" when excited. They will throw their heads side to side and bounce off walls. This is often done with mouths wide open and tails puffed up. Try throwing an old sock on a ferret. It's hilarious to you and fun to the ferret. Ferrets are not difficult to care for but they do require daily attention. Ferrets do require daily attention. They need to be allowed to run and play at least a few hours every day. Their "play time" should be time spent with the owner. They are very intelligent and require human interaction. Their litter boxes need to be cleaned daily and their bedding needs to be washed weekly. Ferrets need to have their nails clipped and ears cleaned but these activities can be done at home and are not difficult or time consuming. Ferrets can be litter trained to a box like a cat. They can also be taught tricks such as roll over and "say please". Ferrets will also learn their names and should be taught to come when you call them. Some ferrets can be very affectionate. This depends on the personality of the ferret. If you particularly want a "lap ferret" the best thing to do is visit your local ferret shelter. The shelter mom will know the personalities of all her ferrets and will be able to match you up with just the right critter. If you have any questions, please ask someone with more experience. If you're having trouble finding someone with more experience then you can Email me (Alan).